A MAN who used a family home as a base for selling class A drugs has thanked a judge after being spared a jail term.

Ricky Lewis, 34, used the residence in Eastgate, Banstead – which was occupied by his partner Sharon Walder, 28, and her three children – to deal cocaine.

He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis, as well as possessing crack cocaine, at Guildford Crown Court in October.

At his sentencing last Friday (November 12), Lewis - who now lives in Lewisham, south-east London - was given an 18-month supervision order and ordered to do 200 hours' community service.

Walder, who admitted permitting a premises to be used for the supply of class A drugs, was ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

Following a long deliberation, Judge Neil Stewart told Lewis: “Almost every person that comes before this court or any other crown court for possession with intent to supply [drugs] can expect to be sent to jail.

“Much to my surprise I have been persuaded that this case is different."

The judge added that he had been moved by letters he received from staff at a drug and alcohol clinic indicating that Lewis had made ‘desperate efforts to change his behavior’.

However, Judge Stewart warned that any re-offending would bring about severe consequences.

“I’m not going to pass a suspended sentence because that would limit the court’s power if you fail to comply with any of the guidelines,” he added.

“If you breach the order you will have the community sentence revoked and it will be replaced by a custodial sentence of between three and five years."

Lewis simply replied: "Thank you."

Police raided the home on September 23 last year and discovered 810mg of crack, more than 40g of cocaine and 486g of cannabis.

Also found were scales, a “dealer’s list”, £350 in cash, mobile phones and SIM cards.